WBD CEO David Zaslav suggested Donald Trump’s re-election could be good for the media business. During the company’s earnings call, he said, “It’s too early to tell, but it may offer an opportunity for consolidation that may be quite different, that would provide a real positive and accelerated impact on this industry that’s needed. These are great companies. If the best content is going to win, there needs to be some consolidation in order to have these businesses be stronger and have a better consumer experience.”

Deregulation is the “number one priority” of Nexstar and the NAB, said Nexstar CEO Perry Sook during the company’s earnings call, noting that Donald Trump’s election could eliminate the regulation last updated in 2004 that says a company cannot own stations with a combined reach to more than 29% of US households. “We see it as a bipartisan issue,” said Sook. “Republicans would see it as deregulation, good for business. Democrats, and in fact all people, would see it as an avenue to preserve local journalism…. You have to have strong companies that are producing that journalism. And they need to compete on an even playing field with big tech, who has unfettered access to every screen in your house, my house, my car, my pocket.”

Roku and Amazon are the most popular brands of streaming media players purchased, while Samsung is the most popular brand of smart TV purchased, according to Parks Associates seventh annual Future of Video report. Together, the three brands dominate in terms of consumer viewing habits, with 65% of US internet households naming one of these brands as their primary streaming video device. “Most consumers prioritize software capabilities, customer service, and hardware specifications when purchasing a new smart TV,” said Elizabeth Parks, CMO, Parks Associates, “but a cohesive and carefully designed interface within a single operating system can significantly enhance the user experience after purchase and help to increase brand stickiness.”

Canada isn’t blocking access to TikTok, but it has ordered the app to shut its two offices there over national security concerns. Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the order was made in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada’s national security.

Make-up artist Todd McIntosh (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and hairstylist Peter Tothpal (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”) are this year’s MUAHS Lifetime Achievement honorees. The awards gala takes place Sunday, February 15, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel.

CBS is developing “Token White Friends,” a comedy from Aaron Kaplan, Wendi Trilling and Cedric the Entertainer, reports Deadline. The series, written and executive produced by Josh Greenberg (“Not Dead Yet”), Jordan Black (“The Wonder Years”) and Jon Haller (“30 Rock”), is inspired by the true story of a Black couple who adopt a white child.

Amazon MGM Studios has officially begun development on “Mass Effect,” based on the video game franchise. The project was first announced in 2021. Daniel Casey (“10 Cloverfield Lane”) will write and executive produce.

Comedian Zarna Garg (“One in a Billion”) will star in a stand-up special for Hulu’s new comedy brand, Huluarious. Rotten Science is producing.

CBC and Sphere Media today announced that production is underway on new comedy series “Small Achievable Goals,” co-created by and starring Meredith MacNeill and Jennifer Whalen. The series about women grappling with menopause is filming in Toronto and Hamilton, for a winter 2025 premiere on CBC and CBC Gem.

Canela Media announced the next installment in its “Secretos” reality series franchise, “Secretos de Parejas.” Scheduled to premiere in spring 2025, the show will feature Latino celebrity couples vacationing on island of Bali.

HBO Original comedy special “Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This?” debuts in January. Maher will tape the special, his 13th for the network, in front of a live audience in Chicago. “I almost called this special ‘You Won’t Feel Safe,’ because if you’re purely a team player in American politics, you won’t,” said Maher. “This one is for the 80% of Americans who want to see crazy called out no matter where it comes from. And the last twenty minutes on my sex life, that’s for everybody.”

Performers set for the 58th Annual CMA Awards include Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, Molly Tuttle and Lainey Wilson. The show, hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson, airs Wednesday, November 20 on ABC.

To mark Veteran’s Day, INSP will air “PT 109” on Monday, November 11 at 4p. The film follows US Navy Officer John F. Kennedy as he fights to save his crew when their PT boat sinks in the Pacific.

Get ready for CES 2025 with the Cynopsis Industry Newsletter—your go-to source for daily recaps and breaking news from the biggest event in tech and media. Our newsletter will be hitting inboxes from January 7-11, providing concise, must-read updates in true Cynopsis style. With 85,000 opt-in users, 4 banner ads, and guaranteed editorial mentions, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand with 100% Share of Voice (SOV). Lock in your sponsored ad spots now and make sure your message stands out during CES!

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Ad tech company ShowSeeker has launched Predictive Programming, equipping users with advanced programming data aimed at enabling them to generate custom proposals. Historically, programming data from providers such as Nielsen’s Gracenote is limited to a 56-day confirmed window. ShowSeeker’s Predictive Programming allows users to forecast and schedule programming data 12 to 14 months in advance. “Predictive Programming is a leap forward in leveraging machine learning to solve common problems in advertising,” said Nick Anaclerio, SVP of Product Strategy. “It brings our clients a level of foresight and efficiency they won’t find anywhere else.”

Tennis Channel, the network’s app and website will be home to the Nitto ATP Finals, starting Sunday, November 10, at 5:30a, live from Turin, Italy. The annual tournament features the top eight singles players and doubles teams of the 2024 season in a round-robin contest.

Friday Fun Fact
The average American spends an average of six months waiting at red lights during the course of their lifetime.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
What Academy Award-winning actor starred in three short-lived TV series playing a social worker, a US President and a retired cop, respectively? George C. Scott (“East Side/West Side” (1963-64), “Mr. President” (1987-88) and “Traps” (1994). Kudos to: Kevin Moran-Blarney Productions/Pasadena, CA; Andrew Goldman-Phanes Funding Group/NYC; Paul Gluck-TUTV/Philadelphia; Greg West-WATC TV/Atlanta; John Kukla-KDFW/Dallas; Kyle Krebs-FOX13/Memphis; Louis Lewow-TrillerTV/Atlanta; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
Which TV series couple meet as he is being tossed out of a wedding for offending the bride? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.)